What do you do?
I am a multi-media artist using bureaucratic materials such as bubble wrap, staples, tape, pencils, typewriters etc.
When did you get into it?
I have always shown an interest in art but it was not until I was 14 or 15 years old that I actually thought I could make ‘art’.
Who or what influences you as an artist?
I find reading thought provoking. I particularly enjoy reading sciences that border on philosophy, as these allow for elastic thoughts and interpretation.
What’s your biggest achievement/proudest moment so far?
Receiving the Qantas Encouragement of Contemporary Art award for 2011 has been the biggest highlight so far. The award is set up to enable artists to travel overseas, make international connections, see important art exhibitions and attend residencies.
What are your plans for the future?
As part of my Qantas award I will be travelling to Brazil. I have found the art and culture there relates quite heavily to my practice, and both share a certain improvisational quality.
What makes you laugh?
Good jokes! Actually some of my favourite artists are the kind that use humour as a way of attracting or getting the attention of the viewer. I think humour is a great way of tackling a deep issue as it allows people to face up to the issue as well as being entertained (although some people just want to be entertained).
What pisses you off?
A very general answer is people who write you off without giving you ‘a fare shake of the sauce bottle’.
What’s your opinion of the local scene?
I think the local art scene is the sort that demands involvement/effort, particularly from the visitor’s side. Being small it’s a surprisingly fervent art scene that’s getting progressively busier.
What are your upcoming performances/exhibitions?
My next exhibition is a group show in Germany entitled Invasion. On a local level I will be doing a community drawing project titled Cumulous Cloud over the next few weeks. The project will be taking place in community places such as halls and market places; I am very excited to see how people react and how they participate.
Contact info:
adam.veikkanen@gmail.com
www.adamveikkanen.com
